‘American Idol’: Who Was Voted Off?

It was just about a full ten minutes before anything really happened on “American Idol” tonight. We watched a review of last night’s girls, the judges’ long slow walk across the stage out to the table (almost a full minute), some extraneous conversation between the judges and Ryan, a recap of the boys (walking slow-mo) during their auditions and then…it was finally time to discover which 10 of the 15 guys would get their chance to perform for America’s votes, all hoping to survive another week.

Two, two-hour shows to showcase 20 singers proved too long, especially tonight on the second night of it, which felt painfully slow and full of throwaway conversations. Both nights, the judges attempted dissention felt fake and forced, like they were trying to recreate a little Mariah-Nicki heat. JLo would often softly telling Harry she disagreed (even when she seemed to actually agree) and Keith would overtly state when he did agree with Harry, even though they did mostly all seem to be on the same page.

Like last night, Randy Jackson mentored the singers, joined Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry

First pulled out of the waiting room, was a singer the judges have always loved: Caleb Johnson. He sang “Stay With Me.” As expected, his performance didn’t disappoint. C.J. Harris, another judge favorite, got called up next. He told Randy he would sing “Shelter” and Randy said it was “one of the better song choices I’ve heard tonight.” The audience and the judges agreed.

Emmanuel Zidor took the stage next with “You’ve Got the Best of My Love” to tremendous applause. Harry told him to stay in his lane when he performed and not to stray from the vocals he is good at.

Sam Wolff got his shot, mostly because JLo said he was the one singer that they all absolutely agreed on and was first picked. He sang “Babylon” and tried to take Randy’s advice to “loosen up” onstage. He must have, because Keith called Sam’s voice “money.”

George Lovett was called up, but it look like he knew it before he heard his name as he was putting his earpieces in before he was called. Bruno Mars was his music choice. JLo suggested he control the runs a bit more. Harry felt he was so passionate, he “sung out of control.” He got booed again. Keith warned George about the perils of song choice.

The country singer in the group, Dexter Roberts, got his chance to perform as well. Harry was worried he was only able to do one thing and that he might needed to widen his scope if he is going to survive.

With four slots left, Alex Preston was called up and gave a stellar performance, his strength his style, but also his guitar. Keith thought the Damien Rice song he chose was the best pick of the night. Harry said he loved that Dexter ended on a nine. Dexter laughed and said he thought Harry would notice that. Ryan asked what that meant and when Harry explained it was a note, Ryan said he “preferred hole number 19.”

Malcolm Allen, who got his start singing in church, got his chance on stage. The judges liked his consistency in previous performances. In this one, JLo looked captivated listening, though she said his performance needs work, though his vocals are top of the list. Harry said Malcolm needs to sing in tune and he got booed for the comment. Keith started to speak, and got cut off quickly by the music for the break, which was amusing considering the amount of time wasted tonight filling space. Ryan did let him speak finally, calling the cue premature. Keith said it was like being at the Grammy’s and getting cut off.

And then there was room for just two. Good thing America voted for Ben Briley last, breaking a tie with Neco Starr, because his name was called tonight. “Soul Shine” by the Allman Brothers was Ben’s song for the night and he did it with an electric guitar. Harry mostly commented on the knot on Ben’s tie, carrying his joke on for a few too beats too long.

The final spot went to Spencer Lloyd, whose good looks were as commented on during auditions as his voice. The audience loved him, but the judges were skeptical about the song choice. But the girls screamed long after he finished singing. And with that, five guys went home tonight with nothing but their experience to date.

Tomorrow we hear how America voted. Votes choose a final ten and the judges, it seems, will choose three wildcards.

Last year was the year of the girls on Idol. Do you think the guys were collectively stronger this week? And did calling this week “Rush Week” make any sense at all? Leave your comments below. Follow Stephanie Krikorian on Twitter @StephieKrik.

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